Signal Projects Hydra Phono Cable

Signature Series · Copper/Hybrid Conductor · Designed for Cartridges

The Signal Projects Hydra Phono Cable is a signal cable from the Signal Projects Signature Series, specifically designed for phono cartridges. It features a hybrid structure of high-purity copper and gold (or a mix of copper, silver, and gold), combined with precise shielding and optimized geometric design. This allows it to transmit the weak signals from phono cartridges completely and naturally to the phono preamplifier with extremely low noise and high purity, delivering clear, open, and musical analog playback.

Suitable for high-end turntables, cartridges, and phono preamplifiers.

Basic Product Information

• Type: Phono Interconnect Cable
• Brand: Signal Projects
• Series: Hydra (Signature Series)
• Connector Options: 5-Pin DIN to RCA or XLR (customizable)
• Standard Length: 1 m (extendable)
• Positioning: Mid-to-high-end phono cable upgrade for analog systems

Core Technologies and Material Application

• Hybrid Conductor Design: Features a hybrid structure of high-purity copper and gold (some versions include silver)
  • Copper: Provides warmth and body
  • Gold: Enhances smoothness and musicality
• High-Purity Copper: 99.99997%
• Cross-Sectional Area: 0.64 mm²
• Low Capacitance Design: Suitable for transmitting weak phono signals, reducing high-frequency loss
• Double-Layer Shielding Structure: Effectively suppresses EMI/RFI interference and reduces noise floor
• Purpose of Material Application: Optimized for extremely low-level phono signals, achieving clear, quiet, and natural transmission while retaining ample musicality and detail

Detailed Specifications

• Model: Hydra Phono Interconnect
• Conductor Type: Hybrid
• Cross-Sectional Area: 0.64 mm²
• Metal: Copper & Gold
• Purity: 99.99997% (Copper)
• Capacitance: 23.64 pF/ft
• Resistance: 7.54 mΩ/ft
• Inductance: 0.48 μH/ft
• Standard Length: 1 m (additional charge for every 0.5 m increase)
• Applicable Systems: Mid-to-high-end turntables, cartridges, phono preamplifiers

Sound Performance and Qualities

The Signal Projects Hydra Phono Cable brings significant improvements to a system:

• Extremely quiet background, significantly reduced noise floor
• Rich detail and clear microdynamics
• Open, clear, and vibrant sound
• Wide soundstage and precise imaging
• Natural and full midrange, with a palpable presence for vocals and instruments
• Beautifully extended, smooth, and non-fatiguing high frequencies
• Solid, powerful, and well-controlled bass
• High overall balance and outstanding musicality
• Almost no coloration, faithfully reproducing the original vinyl recording

It is especially suitable as a phono cable upgrade for high-end analog systems, helping phono cartridges and preamplifiers unleash their full potential.

Online Reviews

• hifitest.de (German audio media): Praised the Hydra Phono for "reaching the edges of the audible frequency range and expanding space in all dimensions," making the exploration of details more engaging.
• Hi-Fi News and Soundrebels (other audio media): Overall positive reviews for the Hydra series, describing its sound as "lively, open, and musical," making music feel more natural and alive.
• High-end audio users have commented that the Hydra Phono cable delivers a quieter background, richer details, and better musicality, making it a highly cost-effective choice for mid-to-high-end phono cables.